International Context: English Law and Courts

The laws of a number of overseas and offshore jurisdictions have a basis in English law or look to English law as a source for their interpretation and development.  A good example is the English law of trusts, which is followed in many overseas jurisdictions subject to local modifications.

English law provides an ideal combination of predictability and flexibility.  It is often chosen as the governing law of a transaction even when it is not intended to bring a dispute before an English court, tribunal or arbitrator.  The English courts follow their previous decisions, which provides continuity and certainty.  However, they are also able to adapt past rulings to meet modern business and technological needs. 

In addition to that, English courts, tribunals and arbitrators are renowned for their excellence, impartiality and integrity.  When international corporations or commercial parties negotiate substantial contracts or transactions they will often look for a neutral, third legal system to provide a forum for dispute resolution.  English courts, tribunals and arbitrators frequently fulfill that role.